In this Sept. 19, 2012, file photo New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol in Albany.

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he's changed his stance on medical marijuana in part because the state will have control over how the program is administered.

Cuomo plans in his State of the State address on Wednesday to announce the legalization of medical marijuana at 20 hospitals in New York and for limited diseases, such as cancer and glaucoma. He hasn't detailed the locations or the specific regulations, but he will do it through executive order rather than through a new law adopted by the Legislature.

Cuomo said having the state Department of Health oversee the program would allow the ...